The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-10-13
FOOT-GEAR FOR FARMERS.
Sensible Comments on a Matter of Com
siderable Importance.

FOOT-GEAR FOR FARMERS.
| Sensible Comments on q Matter of Con-
| siderable Importance.
T.ere is much complaint that boots
and shoes wear out rapidly-that they
are not nearly as durable as they were
thirty years ago. Undoubtedly much
improperly tanned leather is used, and
machine manufacture is not as good as
the old Matchmaking. But the trouble
is more in the lessened care we give
our boots and shoes. When they cost
more we are more careful of them. The
fall season is hard time on boots and
shoes They are wet by the cold dew
in the morning, and then coated with
the earth fresh from the pillow during
the day. This hardens the leather,
destroying its elasticity. and it breaks.
Hauling the damp manure from the
compost heap also exposes the shoes to
hardening influences. The remedy is
oil. This fills the pores of the leather,
excluding moisture and earth. The
reward of oiling is not only increased
wear, but increased ease also. A good
application IS one part of beef tallow to
two of neat s-foot oil. Warm and mix
thoroughly Much that is sold as meats
foot oil is not this oil. Buy only of 4
responsible dealer and be prepared to
pay good price.
The efficacy of oiling depends much
upon the manner. The leather must
be clean. Scrape and brush it well,
and then wash it with wet cloth.
Apply the oil before the leather becomes
quite dry. If the soles are pegged on.
be careful to get the oil well into the
crevice between the soleS and the uppers.
The oil will prevent the pegs from
absorbing moisture and then shrinking.
allowing the uppers to pull loose; and
it is those parts of the uppers which
are fastened to the sole that are most
often damp and will soonest rot and
break. unless oiled. BIT if the soles
are sewcd on, apply oil lightly to
the sewed portions. The thread is
not benefited by the oil. For farm
wear, pegged-on soles are the best.
Apply the oil warm. but not so'warm
as to be uncomfortable to the hand. II
is we'll to expose the leather to Il gentle
heat; but depend on rubbing, not on
heat, to get the oil into the pores of the
leather. BY rubbing the leather well
you not only fill the pores, but to
certain extent close their openings.
Farmers usually select shoes pr boots
made of leather that is too coarse.
Cow-hide does not make the most dur
able boot or shoe for farm wear. 1t
will crack and break sooner than 4
lighter, more plia5le leather would
wear through; and the latter would be
easier and lighter-a matter of no
small moment TO the man who mutt
walk as much as the farmer. The most
durable shoe or boot for farm wear is
made of neavy calf skin leather. Ii
properly oiled, it will not crack or
break. Paste is used to hide poor
leather. Leather that has large, open
pores does not wear well and is poor
protection from wet or cold. Paste
closes these open pores and gives the
surface nice polish. Leather covered
with paste had better be passed by; so,
too, leather that stretches easily. The
more compact and close leather is, the
better it is for boot or shoe. The sur
face of such leather is always smooth,
not rough and chafed; and such leather |
keeps the feet dry and warm. Poor
stock is usually set off with fancy |
leather and gew-gaws. to take atten-
ton from the bad quality of the main |
stuff. A plain. unpublished shoe or
boot is so because it has real merit |
enough to sell it readily.
Shoes. being lighter than boots, arc
preferable for blowing and for summer
wear, when they are so made as to ex-
clude the dirt. 1 have yet TO see y
buckled shoe that would keep out the
dirt, that was easy on the foot. and re-
tanned proper shape. A buttoned
shoe is not subject to these objections.
but the buttons are apt to ne torn off.
/ think laced shoe the best, as it can
be brought as close about the instep
and ankle as may be desired, and its
shape is well retained. For strings use
oiled buckskin. Have low, broad heels
on boot or shoe. 1t is important that
the stiffening in the heels be good; see
that it is firm when you purchase. A
shoe or boot moderately tight across the
toes and half an inch longer than the
foot, is easier and better for the foot
than short, broad shoe, though the
general notion is to the contrary
John II. Stab, in Country Gentleman.